Laszlo Csoka's page

Accepting the invitation, Laszlo sidles closer after whispering to Dawn "Don't worry, you're not that creepy looking"

Arriving at the makeshift operating table, the fleshwarp begins engaging the crafter in a discussion of (im)proper biology to hold his attention. "Are you sure sixteen heads is correct? While people think even numbers are better for symmetry, an odd number like seventeen lets you pick a middle head. It's also prime, which helps prevent the heads from fighting with each other, they can't make balanced groups."

Deception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

Something in the unhinged Leshy triggers an instinctive response in Laszlo. "Dawn, you assist Nix and Ursula, I know what I must do."

Turning back to the Crafter, he begins walking over, digging through his pack. "Of course, master, let us see here. I unfortunately am all out of Adder Stones, please forgive this wretch, but I do have some string here. If I may be so bold as to offer, have you considered a soft wood for some trellising? We will obviously have to disentangle before they deform, but it would provide additional structure..."

Falling into old habits, he begins distracting the Crafter with as much tedious procedure and craftwork possible.

Deception: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

Laszlo follows Ursula's route to the monolith and examines the runes in light of his prior visit. Upon seeing her attempts at defacing the runes he says loudly "No, no, it doesn't work like that. These pieces don't mean anything! You have to adjust these ones over here!"

He then pauses realizing what he has just done. "I knew I should have stayed with the distraction team."

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Arcana: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

At Kalla's signal, Laszlo begins making his way over the cliff face with the rest of the party, leaving Bruit to guard their descent.

Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

After party discusses their findings, Laszlo walks up to the grave. Solemnly, he rests a hand on it and bows his head, intoning

"Lady Pharasma, hear our prayer.

May you aid us in completing our journeys at their natural end and may we find peace within your kingdom when we arrive."

He waits a beat in silence before turning back to the party. Holding up a crowbar, he says "Common Ustalavic gravedigger's prayer. Now let us get down to business."

Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 To attempt to open it without excessively damaging the grave. Also to other players, I am happy to be interrupted if anyone objects. Laszlo is just relatively cavalier about graverobbing for... reasons

Laszlo pulls out his tools and makes his way over to Bruit cooing "Good boy, Bruit! You did very well. Let me fix what those mean centipedes did to you." The mechanical hound's tail wags with a faint screeching noise due to a misaligned plate.

Turning to the rest of the party, in a far more dignified manner, he says "This will take me about twenty minutes to patch up. Then I can look into what this site is... though with luck you will all have figured everything out by then and I can continue to rest on Bruit's laurels! Ha ha!"

Repair Check 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Repair Check 2: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Laszlo digs through his pouch for a Volatile Vial and some additives, turning it into another Blight Bomb before tossing it into Bruit's melee.

As he does so, he cheers on his mechanical companion, yelling "Good job, boy! Keep them distracted! Karom! Karom!" So prompted, the hound bats at the centipedes with steam powered paws.

Draw, Quick Alchemy, Command
Bruit's Actions- Strike (Spike), Strike (Spike)
Bruit is attacking Purple first, and then Orange if Purple is defeated

Blight Bomb Attack (Orange): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
Blight Bomb Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 1d4 persistent, 1 splash (Poison)

Bruit Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 7 + 1 = 25
Bruit Damage 1 (Bashing): 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 3 + 1 = 6

Bruit Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (12) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 16
Bruit Damage 2 (Bashing): 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Laszlo looks on as the scarecrow passes, longing to see it burn further. Unfortunately, the centipedes present a more immediate threat. Pulling a Minor Elixir of Life from a pouch, he pierces the cork with a metal tube and shoves the straw in Ursula's face.

"Drink up, I've tuned the formula to poisons of the region, but it's still rather generic. It should help though."

With his other hand, he digs into a pouch and pulls out a Blight Bomb. "Hmmmm, this should do, let's see how they like poisons." He quickly tosses it at one of the centipedes harassing Bruit with a cackle.

Interact (Draw), Interact (Administer), Quick Bomber

Elixir of Life: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Healing, and +1 to saves against poison for 10 minutes

Blight Bomb Attack (Magenta): 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
Blight Bomb Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 1d4 persistent, 1 splash (Poison)

Laszlo makes his way forward, taking in the disturbing force amongst the standing stones. With a brief guilty glance at Dehlia as he passes her, he pulls out a jar of Alchemist's Fire and launches it at the scarecrow, hoping to spread some of the fire to its smaller companions.

Alchemical weaponry disbursed, Laszlo then whistles for Bruit to rush up amongst the enemies, hopefully causing a distraction.

Stride, Quick Bomber, Command
Bruit's Actions- Stride, Stride

Alchemist's Fire: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15
Alchemist's Fire Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3 1 Persistent, 1 Splash (Fire)

Fort Save 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 8 + 1 = 11
Fort Save 2: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 8 + 1 = 23

Laszlo circles around his cover and comes up alongside Kalla. Adulterating the vial he has in hand, he turns it to a batch of Alchemist’s Fire and tosses it at the Leshy in front of Dawn. Laszlo then whistles to direct Bruit towards the fruiting Leshies. The mechanical hound darts in between the nearby creatures and snaps at the back of the Leshy harassing Dawn.

Stride, Quick Alchemy/Quick Bomber, Command
Bruit- Stride, Strike

Alchemist Fire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 1 = 22
AF Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 1 persistent, 1 splash fire damage

Bruit’s Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 = 22
Bruit’s Damage(bashing): 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Fort Save 1: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 + 1 = 10
Fort Save 2: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 = 29
Fort Save 3: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 1 = 17

Laszlo raises his arms to cover his face as he's pelted with fruit, only to take a shot directly to the gut. "Oof! This is certainly not a dignified way to fight. *sniff sniff* The toxic fumes do remind me of home though. Bruit! Watch out for Sharlott and Jaldan!" While the mechanical hound interposes itself between leshy and centaur, Laszlo continues to bombard their foes, tossing his second prepared Dread Ampoule at the closest leshy and drawing a vial to start to deal with the rest.

Command, Quick Bomber, Interact (draw)
Bruit's Actions- Stride, Bite

Bruit's Attack (Green): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Bludgeoning Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Dread Ampoule Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
Ampoule Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 1 + 1 Splash Mental, On hit, target becomes frightened 1, or frightened 2 on crit

Hero Point Bruit's Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Fort Save: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15

Laszlo calls out "Véd!" pointing to the batch of mushroom-like Leshies, prompting bruit into action.

Bruit's Athletics Check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Turning to the fighting closer at hand, he calls out again "I am sorry for this, Ursula, but we will get you fixed up shortly." So saying, he tosses two vials, one with vile images seeming to rise out of the solution and one with delightful aromatics, that seem to ease Ursula's pain. Both unfortunately splash over her adding to the mess caused by the fruits.

Dread Ampoule at Yellow: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5 Mental, 1 splash, On hit, target becomes frightened 1, or frightened 2 on crit

Chirurgeon's Vial: 1d6 ⇒ 3 healing

Laszlo whistles Bruit forward and darts behind cover as he approaches the fires. Helpfully translating for the uninformed, he calls out "We must help that leshy. These demons are trying to kill her!"

Command, Stride, Stride

As his turn arrived, Laszlo seems to almost unfold as his back straightens and his shoulders pull back. His militaristic posture reveals a somewhat frightening height, normally obscured by his slouch. Marching to the dance floor, he gazes out imperiously before announcing, "Ladies, Gentlemen, and other assembled personages, I present to you the Gonchey Val's of Brevoy."

Raising his hand to the level of his eyes, he claps twice and then issues a piercing whistle. So prompted, Bruit leaps from the crowd, circling Laszlo once, then taking position opposite him. Master and mechanical hound bow to each other in unison before the two begin circling.

Society: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Their deliberate pacing segues smoothly into a form of canine dressage. The fleshwarp's actions are mirrored by his hound with impressive synchronicity, a procession of pirouettes, piaffes and levades. The clever maneuvers and fluid performances seem almost designed to draw attention to the quality workmanship of both manufactured beings.

Craft: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
Craft (Hero Point): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

After several cycles, the pair face each other once more in their starting positions. Laszlo stomps forcefully calls out, "Hah!" They dart at each other and begin a simulated battle of man versus beast. Compared to the refined dance so far, the violent action is far less controlled and more naturalistic. However, the choreographed savagery is still clearly a dance: blocks acting a springboards for acrobatic leaps, vital weakness presented for dramatic blows that are pulled in the last inches, showy dodges that would invite punishment in a real fight.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Returning once more to their starting positions, Laszlo and Bruit bow again to each other, then turn together to Mimiko and bow a final time.

Noting the glint of intelligence in the statue's eye, Laszlo determines to resolve an ongoing internal dispute he'd had with a particularly odiferous author from his master's library. "Forest King Narven, I beg your attention!"

Society: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"The scholar Fusco Pulcus said- GAH! He said that your kingdom- oof! Your kingdom was in Chel- huk! Stop hitting me I'm trying to ask a- guh! I don't care anymore!"

Sighing at the predictable results of the kobold's actions, Laszlo reaches in his bag looking for an appropriate solution. "You don't just feed them because you don't want your hands near that part of their mouths, Nix." He pulls out a jar of dust labelled "STERNUTATING POWDER".

"On the upside, I've been wanting to see if this works on things that don't strictly have lungs. Don't breath this in Nixoret, we don't want you caught in a sneezing fit."

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

With a dramatic wave of the hand, he spreads a dusting of the material on the plant, causing it to rapidly eject the kobold. Nodding in satisfaction, he turns and does the same to Sajan's plant.

"Now come along, we have tricksters to catch."

While rarely native to the region, carnivorous plants are surprisingly common throughout Ustalav, particularly amongst the gardens of their nobles (and those with the pretensions to be noble). As such Laszlo is very familiar with such plant behavior.

"You know, there is a fun trick you can do with these. If you touch them right about here..." So saying, he reaches out to scratch one underneath its "mouth"

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

The mouth closes and bobs slightly almost like a dog being scratched under the chin. "Yes, you are a good boy, aren't you? Really, you're just simulating the same sensory organs as if it caught something, but it makes for a fun show. You shouldn't do it often though, plants are not meant to move this much and if they don't actually catch anything they are effectively starving."

After freeing himself, Laszlo makes his way to Sajan to help untie a snare around the monk's ankle. In the process he playfully elbows Sajan in the ribs. "Must be a new experience for you, someone else running ahead foolishly into danger. Don't worry we'll catch up with her soon enough, just as we did with you."

Laszlo's eyes briefly go in different directions as he assesses their location. "I think I know where we are. The fastest path is left, left, right, left, then four rights."

Society: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 + 1 = 24

Picking a stick up from the nearby foliage, Laszlo begins following Ursula's mad dash, beating at the various snares to try and trigger them before they catch anyone else.

Thievery: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

However, without proper time or tools, he's unfortunately slowed down.

"Just because something looks unusual does not mean it is unnatural, particularly among great legends... but you're right, this does seem more the work of some puckish fae trickster. The only question is if the prank was played just on the statue or also its rather unfortunate model."

Laszlo walks up to the Donkey-Headed Statue and tentatively reaches out a hand to touch the statue. "Hmmmm, interesting." Turning, he begins examining the composition of the other statues as well.

Craft (Donkey): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Craft (Human): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Craft (Dwarf): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Waving one hand to try to disperse the smoke quicker, he reaches down grabs the fey being by the shoulder, dragging it back to its feet. "Do not worry, we do not kill prisoners. You will have to answer some questions though."

Squinting through the smoke, he sees a familiar form approaching through the magical garden Dawn has summoned. "There is Kalla, she will- KALLA! What have you done to yourself?!" Pushing the fae back toward Ursula for her to deal with, he begins stalking toward his party member with a scolding tone. "No! Do not pull the arrow out yet, that is how you bleed out quickly. You are supposed to be dodging these, or at least taking them on the armored parts, tch. The neck, really? Sit down right there while I take care of this."

Treat Wounds (Craft): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Laszlo scowls at his own smoke cloud. It did what I wanted it too, but now it's a problem. I need something to disperse these clouds once I'm done with them. With a heave he begins pulling himself over the wall.

Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Athletics (Disadvantage): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Failing to get over, he gives it another try.

Athletics: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Athletics (Disadvantage): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Finally getting to the other side, he stumbles into the smoke cloud to try and assist Ursula.

Climb, Climb, Stride

After tripping for the third time attempting to cross the pitted ground, Laszlo grumbles to himself, "Hmm, these walls are a pain, but if they can't see us, the can't hurt us." Taking out a vial, he adulterates it with a tarry substance and lobs it into the center of the fortifications.

Stride, interact (draw versatile vial), Quick Bomb {Quick Alchemy+Smoke Bomb} at an empty intersection

Attack Intersection: 1d20 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 1 + 6 = 20
Attack Intersection(Disadvantage): 1d20 + 1 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 6 = 12

Square indicates Smoke AOE providing concealment

Laszlo begins picking his way to a more advantageous position. The pit seems to be a trap, even after being revealed, so he and Bruit make for the southern entrance to attempt access there.

Laszlo Will Save 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Laszlo Will Save 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Bruit Will Save 1: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Bruit Will Save 2: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Laszlo calmly walks over to Sharlott, pulling out a variety of materials to start mixing a poultice. "I'm terribly sorry you were subjected to that. Entirely inappropriate, everyone knows noncombatants are not to be harmed unnecessarily. Please, allow me to treat your injuries. I have a very useful poultice, smells awful unfortunately, but cuts down healing times by days."

Looking back over his shoulder he calls out "By the way, if you two don't mind bickering over here, could one of you bring that box? I would like to examine its contents once I'm done treating injuries. And I suppose neither of you escaped uninjured either, so we should deal with that." He turns back to Sharlott with a lopsided smile, shaking a noxious looking vial in one hand. "Now, please tell me where it hurts the most."

Treat Wounds (Craft): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

Healing (if successful): 2d8 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

A growl emerges from the fleshwarp as he stalks to a clearer line of sight. "Poor form... one does not attack noncombatants. This is what happens, when you focus on aesthetics over function... poor form." So saying he lobs his remaining flask of Alchemist's fire at the offending gorilla before snapping, "Bruit, Ved"

Stride, Strike, Command
Bruit's Actions- Stride Strike

Alchemist's Fire: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18
Alchemist's Fire Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7 +1 splash, 1 persistent (Fire)

Bruit's Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 7 + 1 = 13
Bruit's Bite(bludgeoning): 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 3 + 1 = 11

Laszlo sighs, "The master always said he preferred working in living materials 'for the extra challenge'. A part of me wishes he would have stuck to plant life but... no use worrying about it now."

He shakes his head to clear out the dark thoughts. "These do seem to be ideal vessels for some type of golemancy though. The closest ones do not appear to be active, but we will want to be cautious as we advance. Enabling one will likely awaken the others."

Reaching into a particular pocket on his pack, he pulls out two Alchemist Fire flasks. "It is never a sure thing, but the verdant nature of these creations suggests a vulnerability to fire. I've made these this morning, and perhaps some of us with a free hand might want to have some ready, in case we do set these creations off. Sajan? Dawn?... Sharlott?"

Laszlo frowns at the standing stones. "No, no, clearly this is a different tradition." He quickly digs into his bag to find his notes, hoping to find a better way of handling the flawed runework. Almost absentmindedly, he whistles a "continue as previously directed" command at Bruit while flipping through pages.

Occultism check (AA), Command Bruit
Bruit Action- Strike, Strike

Fortitude: 1d20 + 8 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 + 1 = 18

Repairing Runes (Occultism): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Bruit Strike 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Bruit Damage 1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Bruit Strike 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Bruit Damage 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Laszlo carefully wafts some of the spores in proper scientific fashion. "Interesting texture. Poor flavoring though, we ought to do something about them." He gestures toward the mushroom sprouting under Ursula, declaring [b]"Bruit, Karom!"

He then makes his way to the stone circle intending to assess, and hopefully start repairing, the runes

Command, stride, Occult
Bruit Actions- Strike, Strike

Bruit Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Bruit Damage 1: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Bruit Attack 2: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Bruit Damage 2: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Repairing Runes (Occultism): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

While the master wasn't exactly nobility, he did occasionally host... individuals of a certain standing. As such, Laszlo had ultimately learned the best way to deal with people like that. Don't.

Laszlo ignores Ursula and turns to her maid. "Miss Sharlott, it is is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please pass on to your mistress our appreciation for her handling much of the bureaucracy of our coming mission. Could you perhaps inform me if she has any allergies or intolerances that might be of a medical issue?"

Without waiting for a reply, he grabs his bag and begins digging through it. "I have a tea that she might appreciate, to help balance out her excess of Yellow Bile, but I would hate for that to cause her other issue, like an unsettled stomach, sores or... incontinence."

Laszlo smiles watching his companions enjoying themselves. A part of him wanted to join in, but he wasn't as comfortable in large cities like Absalom. Or rather, he knew large cities weren't as comfortable with him in them. The drinks are fine, but of course the alchohol didn't affect him quite like everyone else. He could fix that of course, but it seems inappropriate, or at least rude to the tavern staff. He somewhat regrets leaving Bruit behind, but he'd been told that pets weren't appropriate in dining establishments like this. He wasn't entirely sure why that applied to Bruit, but he figured he would rather be safe.

"Hey! Isn't that the flesh golem from-" The soft flap of leather striking leather preempts the end of the sentence.

"He has a name. Remember, he picked it out when we got to the lodge."
Laszlo turns at the voices and sees a familiar halfling and Kellid entering the wisp. Two of the Pathfinders responsible for liberating him had just walked through the door. "Gurog! Minna! What are you doing here? Last I saw you were heading to the Gravelands."

"Total bust! The ruins were a hoax trying to lure Toma into a trap. What about you... um Laszlo, right? I thought the venture-captain sent you to Starrise to get straightened out." The halfing woman hops up onto the bench next to him without invite and grabs an unattended mug on the table to start drinking.

Laszlo grins at being remembered. "Yes, that is correct. It is fortuitous that I run into you today, this is why I am here in Absalom." So saying he reaches into a pocket and pulls out his new wayfinder. "I have just earned this as of earlier today."

Both Pathfinders' eyes light up at the badge. Gurog reaches over Minna to give Laszlo a mighty pat on the back. "Well done! This calls for celebration! The others are resting at our inn, but Minna and I were going to Walk the Divine Path. You must join us!"

Laszlo cocks his head in confusion and Minna takes pity on him. "It's a pub crawl. Apparently, it's the route Cayden Cailean takes anytime he manifests in Absalom, but I'm pretty sure that's just marketing. They say if you finish it with fewer than three barfights, you've done it wrong and have to start over."

Gurog chips in. "We've tried 3 times already and haven't made it to the end yet. Maybe you'll be our lucky charm!"

Laszlo takes another look at his friends enjoying themselves. This is a time for celebration, they are enjoying themselves and so should I. He waves briefly at Sajan to let the group know he's safe and turns back to his former saviors. "Well, then let us begin this rite of passage! Get it, 'rite' because it is the divine path?"

---

Three bars later, the trio stumble out to the slurring sounds of Minna's drunken singing. "What do you do with a drunk Pathfinder? What do you do with a drunk Pathfinder?"

Gurog taps her on the shoulder. "Hush, this is a moment for sober reflection" He points across the street and Laszlo notices for the first time that their route passes near one of Absalom's cemetaries.

As he's about to turn back a glint of light catches his eye and he focuses back on the cemetary. "What's that?"

Once Gurog finds what Laszlo's talking about he scowls and spits on the ground. "Resurrectionists. Dirty body thieves. Let's go do some public service"

Thinking of his own past, a hot wash of shame passes through Laszlo, quickly turning to hate. However, he grabs Gurog and Minna's shoulders as they start to scale the fences. "Wait, let me deal with them. I have an idea." The experienced Pathfinders pause, confused as Laszlo begins to strip.

---

Dale is getting nervous. He always gets nervous on these jobs. No matter how many times it goes well, or how many times Timo swears to him that the Church of Pharasma blessed these grounds, he is certain this will be the time something went wrong and they are eaten by ghoul, or a zombie, or a wight or... what was that noise?

"Dale! Point that lantern back down here! We don't want anyone to see us out here and the guard will find us if you keep flailing that light about." Timo hisses from inside the hole he is digging.

"But, Timo, I swear I heard something-"

"Hush. Keep your voice down. There is nothing out there."

As if on cue, a light suddenly shines from the ground at the foot of the grave illuminating a horrifying monster. A pale man clearly stitched together from body parts, maybe from this very cemetary, looms over the graverobbers. Opening it's misshapen jaw, it begins speaking in a raspy Ustalavic accent, just like the Whispering Tyrant from the street plays. "Dale! Timo! You have desecrated your last grave! We, the souls of your tormented victims, have come for you! You cannot escape us!"

Screaming, Dale and Timo scramble out of the open grave and flee the cemetary as fast as they can. A haunting laugh echoes behind them, speeding them on their way.

---

Two hours later, Deacon Hill hustles down the street toward the South Island Cemetary. Normally, he would never be up at this time of night, but that report of undead by those gods-be-damned grave robbers, means that action has to be taken immediately, Pharasma demands no less. At least the idiots are in guard custody now and will get what they deserve for their crimes.

As he gets close, he can hear voices coming from the cemetary gates. "... and then Rising Dawn says 'Keys have teeth, maybe it's just an invisible key'" Raucus laughter erupts, as the figures resolve into a two human men and a halfling woman sitting on the ground, passing a large bottle of wine between them.

Looking down his nose at the drunks, Deacon Hill snaps at them "What are you doing here? You have to leave, we have had reports of the dead rising from this cemetary, it is not safe." Getting closer, Hill realizes he was mistaken and one of the men is clearly not human. The discolored skin and patchwork stitching would suggest a creature of the night, but he doesn't feel the instinctive revulsion of those who have forsaken Pharasma.

The other man stands and offers a hand to the priest. "Sorry about that. That's actually our fault. We found some grave robbers here and Laszlo thought he'd give them a fright. It was only after we realized we might cause a bit of a panic, so we stuck around to explain ourselves." He reaches into a pocket and reveals a faintly glowing badge with the Pathfinder seal on it.

Blasted Pathfinders, of course it was their doing. "Hmph. Very well. We'll still have to organize repairing the damaged plots..."

The other man speaks up at this, holding up a dirty shovel. "No need, I have handled it. I forgot my gravedigging trowel once and it was a mistake I will not make again. Our apologies again for dragging you out at this time of night, but since you are here, perhaps you will join us for a nightcap before you return." At this, the halfling shakes the wine bottle enticingly at the priest.

With an aggrieved sigh, Deacon Hill takes the wine and has a sip. Surprisingly good vintage, never had anything taste quite like it. "Might as well, nothing better to do. Thank you for the help, but in the future, please just let the guard know."

As the priest sits down next to him, Laszlo turns to his companions. "I'm sorry, my friends. I fear I have ruined another attempt at Walking the Divine Path for you."

Minna smiles at him. "Nonsense, that just means we have to try it again the next time we're in town!"

"As fascinating as the sex lives of mycelia are, Kalla, they will have to wait. It is very important that we are all in top condition should we encounter something else like these beasts down that hallway." So saying he approaches her, somewhat ominously, with a vial of something bubbling in each hand.

Treat Wounds Kalla (Craft): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13

Having sufficiently dosed the bard and the thaumaturge for the moment, Laszlo finally turns his attention to the mechanical hound. Exchanging his potions for more conventional tools, Laszlo pries some panels off of Bruit and begins cleaning and rearranging some of the hounds internals.

Repair Bruit (Craft): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Retch: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (9) + 8 - 1 = 16

Laszlo looks sorrowfully at his mechanical hound, kneeling down to pat it softly. "You my friend are going to take a bit of work, but it is worth it." Turning around to his breathing companions, he raises a finger toward Kalla, then puts it down. Best not to interrupt her, if that goes wrong it could be terrible for us all.

He looks back around and locks on to Nixoret. "Come, come, this has not been your day, but let's get you patched up and tomorrow should be better. Clearly your humours are out of alignment and must been seen to. What have you been eating, man?" As he approaches the kobold, he begins drawing forth potions with arcane labels like "Hematemetic". Medicine is a messy process, but we're already covered in... stuff, so the faster method should be fine.

Treat Wounds (Craft): 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (10) + 8 - 1 = 17

Fort Save Laszlo: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 8 - 1 = 8
Hero Point Fort Save Laszlo: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (15) + 8 - 1 = 22
Fort Save Bruit: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12

Laszlo draws forth another Versatile Vial and shakes it until it turns the ghastly colors of a Dread Ampoule, throwing it at the remaining slug beast. "Bruit!Véd!" His hound darts in, hacking and spitting despite its mechanical nature, jaws snapping at the creature.

Dread Ampoule Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 6 - 1 + 1 = 13
Dread Ampoule Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 +1 splash (Mental),On hit, target becomes frightened 1, or frightened 2 on crit

Bruit Bite Attack: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 + 1 - 1 = 21
Bruit Bite Damage: 1d8 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Laszlo grunts out "Bruit! Karom!" and staggers through the cloud to get a clear view on the the other... creature. Pausing to attempt to settle his stomach, he powers through and tosses a Blight Bomb, while the mechanical hound claws at the enshrouded one.

Concealment Check 1: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Bruit Claw Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 7 + 1 = 19
Bruit Claw Damage 1: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 3 + 1 = 9

Concealment Check 2: 1d20 ⇒ 3
Bruit Claw Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 14
Bruit Claw Damage 2: 1d6 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10

Blight Bomb Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (13) + 6 - 1 = 18
Blight Bomb Damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 1d4 persistent, 1 splash (Poison)

"That sounds absolutely disgusting. I must get closer and see what it is."

Will Save Laszlo: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Will Save Bruit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Laszlo makes his way around the corner. "Well, we could do with seeing less of that" Struggling to keep his bile down, he quickly adulterates a vial of Alchemist's Fire and throws it at the creature. He briefly attempts to whistle, then falls back on just moaning out "Bruit!" calling the hound to attack. Lacking biological functions, the mechanical hound is largely unaffected and hurries to its master's aid.

Stride, Quick Bomb w/Smoke Bomb,Command
Bruit's Actions-Stride, Strike

Alchemist's Fire Attack: 1d20 + 6 - 1 ⇒ (12) + 6 - 1 = 17
Alchemist's Fire Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2 +1 persistent, 1 splash fire. Also I will be using Smoke Bomb to create a 10-foot burst smoke cloud in the southwest corner of the enemy's square

Bruit's concealment check: 1d20 ⇒ 20
Bruit's Bite: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Bruit's Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Taking the moment to refresh some of his supplies, Laszlo notices that Nixoret is not responding as well to the magical garden as everyone else. Taking a moment to add another "potion" to his rotation. With a puff of acrid green smoke the mixture finishes and Laszlo draws the contents into a small eye dropper which he hands over to Nixoret. "Here, for your throat. Take no more than three drops. It is the concentrated equivalent of ten to the second power cups of Chelaxian Breakfast Tea, which until now has been regarded as the ideal treatment for Esophageal Bruising. Unfortunately, I don't think it will do much for the blunt trauma."

Treat Wounds (Craft): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19 to remove the Wounded condition

Turning to Rain in Cloudy Day, he continues "You were here researching the local civilization, right? I wouldn't think the natural caverns would be of much use for that, but this door screams 'important' if we can find our way through it."

Content with the burns already inflicted, Laszlo decides to experiment a bit. Chasing the choker around the corner, he tosses a Dread Ampoule at it, intending to frighten the already wary creature. With another whistle he calls his "faithful" "hound" to his side, ready to intervene if necessary.

Stride, Quick Bomb, Command
Bruit's Action- Stride

Dread Ampoule Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 6 + 1 = 15
Dread Ampoule Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 +1 Splash Mental, Frightened 1 on hit (2 on crit)

"Bruit... I don't think I have a specific command for this yet... Push Rising Dawn!" The mechanical dog cocks its head at its master as if to say "Really?" then proceeds to shove Rising Dawn with all its hydraulic might. As his hound does its best to protect his companion, Laszlo draws another Versatile Vial and tosses it at the choker in the form of another Alchemist's Fire.

Command, Draw, Quick Alchemy/Quick Bomb
Bruit's Action-Shove, Shove

Bruit's Shove (1): 1d20 + 7 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 7 + 1 = 15
Bruit's Shove (2): 1d20 + 7 - 5 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 7 - 5 + 1 = 17

Alchemist's Fire Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 6 + 1 = 18
Alchemist's Fire Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 +1 Persistent, 1 Splash Fire

Somewhat flustered by the surprise attack, Laszlo reacts instinctively with Alchemist's fire. Realizing Dawn's unfortunate position, he follows it up with a healing vial trying to repair the injury she's already suffered. "Rain, quickly away from the crawling thing. Get over by Bruit, he will watch over you!"

Quick Bomb, Draw, Field Vial

Alchemist Fire Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Alchemist Fire Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 6 +1 Persistent, 1 Splash fire
Healing Vial: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Laszlo moves to a better angle, mixes a new batch of alchemist fire to toss at the ghoul... and starts carrying on an academic conversation. "You have read Helsnicht?! The master only had his third treatise, but I always found his necromancy far outclassed his anatomy. We should talk more on this later, it is so rare that I find a fellow academic out in the wilderness like this!"

Stride, Draw Versatile Vial, Quick Mix/Quick Bomb

Alchemist Fire Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
Alchemist Fire Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 + 1 persistent, 1 splash fire

Laszlo points toward Nixoret and calls out "Bruit! Véd!" and the mechanical hound bounds through the bog to try and interpose itself between the ghoul and the kobold. Meanwhile, he attempts to capitalize on Sajan's efforts with a bottle of Alchemist's Fire.

Command, Stride, Quick Bomber-Alchemist's Fire
Bruit's Actions-Stride, Stride

Alchemist Fire Attack: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 through Cover
Alchemist Fire Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 5 1 persistent, 1 splash Fire

Laszlo steps back slowly putting his closest ally (Nixoret) between himself and the iruxi. "I feel it is worth pointing out because there has been some confusion in the past, I am quite alive and there is no need to hunt me. Bruit is also... well not alive persay, but not composed of animated dead flesh and thus also not undead. Oh also my name is Laszlo if that helps with the deciding to hunt or not"

Laszlo backs away spitting and wiping at his face. "That is uncalled for. Do you know how hard it is to get vile secretions out of treated leather?" He calls for Bruit to bite again and pulls out a vial in preparation.

Stride, Command, Interact-Draw
Bruit's Actions- Stride, Strike
Bruit Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Bruit Damagte: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6 Bashing

Laszlo extracts himself from the pestilent undead and backs up next to Nixoret, and tosses another vial, this one of basic acid. Whistling, he calls out "BRUIT! Harap!" and his mechanical hound moves to bite his target with blunted metal teeth.

Stride, Quick Bomber Versatile Vial, Command Bruit
Bruit Actions- Stride, Strike

Vial Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 6 + 2 = 24
Vial Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6 1 Splash, Acid

Bruit Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18
Bruit Damage: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Laszlo huffs. "Natural magical reanimation, so... messy." He makes his way toward the backline of Festrogs and begins with the tried and true method of cleaning up reanimated messes... FIRE!

Stride, Draw, Alchemist's Fire at Yellow

Alchemist Fire Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
Alchemist Fire Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8 + 1 Persistent Fire, 1 Splash

Laszlo grimaces. "The master went through an unfortunate number of homonculi before we learned not to take sellers at their word. Perhaps we should check with the locals to determine the truth of their promulgations. After all I would not mind the poor accommodations of the Opportune, should it be as fast as claimed, but reliability is obviously a concern."

I would like to either make a Society check to Recall Knowledge about how good or bad the ships actually are, or encourage a more skilled party member to use Diplomacy to Gather Information.

"I believe all three of these questions are tied together for me. I have learned that my freedom has in ways made me incautious... but I am still blessed to have companions who will sit with me through resolving my mistakes. I have also learned that I allow my cleverness to obscure what is right in front of me, but I can rely on Rising Dawn and Nixoret to see the truth of it, and Kalla to tell me when I've gone too far... at least I think so, I don't always understand all of the idioms how does one barrel? In essence," he pauses and turns to Master Farabellus, "I have learned that my greatest weakness," he turns to Master Shaine "is in the truths of myself that I do not yet fully understand, but my best armor against that ignorance," he turns to Master Westyr, "is the companionship of good allies, those who will shield my weakness and enhance my strength as I do for them."

He pauses in thought briefly, then turns to Drandle. "I would say if you don't want people risking their souls, then don't make it part of the test. The devil is already bound by its summoning, just add an extra clause excluding the option, or create an appropriate simulacrum. Like Master Westyr's lovely sleeping dragon."

Archetype: Inventor
Inventor Innovation: Construct (Bruit, combat stats included on my character sheet)
Skill: Stealth (From already being trained in craft)

Class Feat: Smoke Bomb

Skill Feat: Risky Surgery